'Quite a while' - Newcastle United activate deal for 'outstanding' player after 2025 announcement

The Blyth-born defender joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022 for £13million, initially signing a two-and-a-half-year contract before the club announced in October last year that Burn had penned fresh terms until 2025.

That was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, however it was confirmed by a Newcastle official on Friday that Burn is under contract until next season after triggering an automatic extension.

While Burn admits it gives him “ a bit more security”, the 32-year-old is hoping remain at his boyhood club beyond 2026 and see out his playing days at St James’ Park.

"The contract has been activated quite a while," Burn told reporters after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat Brighton. "For some reason it’s only coming out now.

“I’ve always said that I want to be here as long as possible so to activate that side of it obviously gives me a bit more security. But I want more and I’d love to be here longer.

"I’d love to finish my career here. I’ve moved home, my kids are back with their family and get to see them a lot, that was always the plan.

"We’ve got very good players here and we are going in that upward trajectory so I’ve just got to try and keep going as long as I can.

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"I feel like I’ve been playing well this season. I’m not going to be a player that’s just happy to be here and be a good trainer and sit on the bench - I want to play and believe I’m good enough to play.

"I honestly feel like I’m still getting better and have more improvement to make. I’ve got a load of games under my belt so that experience helps as well.

"I don’t feel as if I’m starting to decline or anything, I’m still fit, healthy and feel I’m playing a big role."

United boss Eddie Howe recently admitted to NewcastleWorld that the former Fulham and Wigan Athletic defender has surpassed his expectations since swapping the South Coast for Tyneside.

“I'd say that Dan has surpassed expectations, and that's no slight on him when he came in,” said Howe. “It's an absolute compliment to how well he has done. I think he's been incredible for us.

“I knew Dan was a very good player having managed against him many times for Brighton and various other teams, but I didn't realise quite how good he was until managing him and seeing his effectiveness.

“The added bonus with Dan was always the Geordie perspective, the love for Newcastle just gave him an extra layer that we wouldn't have got from any other player signing in that position.

“He's managed to keep his place in the team and develop into a real leader for us and a real strong personality on and off the pitch - I can't speak highly enough of how he conducts himself. I think he's been an outstanding signing for us.”